Ischgl unveiled its record-breaking Pardatschgratbahn cable car in the 2014-15 ski season. The tricable gondola is capable of climbing 1,251 metres from the town to the Pardatschgrat (2,624 m) without stopping in under 10 minutes.

Skiing in Ischgl

Ischgl is perhaps best known for its lively apres-ski and season-closing concerts by top musicians, but that’s not all there is to enjoy in this Austrian resort. It also boasts some of the best slopes in the country, making it a top draw for serious skiers and party-loving travellers alike.

The Silvretta Arena is the main ski region here and offers skiing from the end of November up until May thanks to 1,100 snow machines working hard to ensure the snow is as skiable as possible.

With 172 km of slopes - 33 km of blue runs, 104 km of red runs and 22 km of black runs - it’s the biggest continuous ski area in Austria and has many highlights, including a Ski Kindergarten for children capable of introducing very young kids to skiing, a fantastic snowpark for freestylers and an illuminated natural sledding track.

The starting point for all skiers is the Idalp plateau, which is accessible via gondolas from the town - but can get a little crowded. From here, skiers can jump on lifts to various other areas both here and across the border in Switzerland, including Pardatschgrat, Palinkopf, Höllenkar and Alp Trida, where there’s more space to enjoy.

The ski area also links with Engadin Samnaun in Switzerland - known as the ‘duty free’ run - via a particularly sunny red run. There are a number of long black and red runs for experienced skiers from Palinkopf down to Fimbatal, with some excellent off-piste skiing available nearby.

Cross-country skiers can take advantage of trails at altitudes of between 1,377 and 2,036 m around the Paznaun region, with some extending as far as Vorarlberg.

In terms of apres-ski, everything you’ve heard about Ischgl having an amazing nightlife is true. The festivities begin in the early afternoon and ramp up until hitting their peak at around 5pm. Don’t worry, though - if you want to simply have a quiet drink, there are several establishments that can offer this.